KP backs South African coach for England job

Ford has been credited with technical improvements to Pietersen’s game by the former England star.

Pietersen has suggested that Ben Stokes’ tenure as captain could be scuppered by a failing system which England need to address as soon as possible.

Never one to mince words, Pietersen does believe that the ECB have struck on a good appointment for Managing Director in Rob Key.

In his Betway blog Pietersen wrote: “They’ve got to get the right personnel in charge, above the team, to make sure that the environment is right.

“Key is a good start, Stokes has the personality to captain the side, and personally, I would love to see Graham Ford come in as Test coach to complete the brain trust.

“He is an incredible man-manager and he’ll work with every player all day long. He’ll give you throwdowns until dark, and you can ring him at 2 am with any issue. He’s a fabulous leader who understands the game of cricket like no other.

“Ultimately, though, Stokes and the new coach will be hamstrung until a radical overhaul of the system improves the quality of players coming through. It will be difficult until then, but I wish Stokes the best of luck.”

The rot has set in

Chris Silverwood lost the England head coach job after the team’s flaccid attempt to regain the Ashes ended in humiliation and skipper Joe Root followed after a Test series loss in the Caribbean.

England have transformed themselves into a white-ball powerhouse but the First Class game is ailing and as a result their Test team are stuggling.